Minister of Health and Population Khaled Abdel-Ghaffar recently issued Ministerial Decree 485/2024 regulating the distribution of baby formula. A committee on breastfeeding and evaluating eligibility for receiving subsidised baby formula has been formed. The new regulations are based on who is eligible for baby formulas and putting an end to black market sales.
The decision stipulates in its first article that the distribution of subsidised baby formula will be limited to three groups, each with its own specific criteria. One is eligible for receiving baby formula after examinations and evaluations which include the birth of twins or more. Every infant will be provided enough formula regardless of the number of twins, death of the mother, a mother suffering from kidney or liver failure, or undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Further cases according to the ministerial decree are mothers experiencing seizures affecting the safety of the child or suffering from severe mental or psychological disorders. Mothers diagnosed with HIV/AIDS or those being admitted to intensive care for at least three days are eligible for receiving the ministry’s subsidised baby formula.
The second group includes mothers who are temporarily unable to breastfeed, such as those undergoing tuberculosis treatment or who are on specific medications that may prevent breastfeeding. These mothers will be entitled to formula for a limited period with re-evaluation required for continued dispensing.
The third group includes abandoned or unknown lineage children, often referred to as “foundlings”, who do not have access to breastfeeding due to their circumstances.
The spokesman for the Health Ministry said the rules are designed to ensure that formula is only distributed in cases where it is medically necessary. “The government is committed to reducing formula dependency. Mothers who experience temporary issues with breastfeeding will be referred to a specialised consultant to explore alternatives like enhancing milk production,” he said.
The new regulations also focus on eliminating the black market for subsidised formula. In recent years, concerns have been raised about selling subsidised infant formula on the black market with some families facing difficulties accessing it through the proper channels. “We are aware that some of the formula intended for distribution to vulnerable families ended up in the black market,” the spokesman said, adding that this is a key issue the new system aims to address.
The new decision on distributing infant formula has been in effect since the beginning of this month at primary health care units and centres which have posted notices outlining the criteria for eligibility.
As part of the new guidelines, the government has implemented a more stringent process for documentation. Mothers applying for formula will need to provide medical certificates from government hospitals detailing their health and prescribed treatments. “This step is crucial to ensure that only those who truly need formula are able to receive it,” the spokesman said. In addition, in case of the death of a mother or serious illness, documents such as a death certificate or medical records must be submitted to verify eligibility.
Ihsan Al-Sayed, a mother of a nine-month-old boy, shared her frustration with the new regulations. “Since I gave birth, I’ve been struggling with insufficient breast milk. My child was never satisfied and was always hungry until the doctor prescribed formula for him. A few days ago, I went to get the formula but they refused. They told me I had to provide a certificate from a government hospital stating that I am unable to breastfeed. This certificate, along with supporting documents, would then be submitted to a committee that will decide whether to provide me with the formula or not. Will my baby have to wait for the committee’s decision without being breastfed?” Al-Sayed asked. “I need eight boxes of formula per month, and I can’t afford to buy them outside the healthcare units,” she added.
“One pack of baby formula costs the government LE300 and is provided to beneficiaries for LE5 a pack. Therefore, it is essential to make sure that the actual beneficiaries are the ones who receive it,” the spokesman said.
Essam Ismail, the father of a newborn girl, was arguing at the healthcare unit while requesting baby formula. “I was shocked when the healthcare personnel refused to provide me with the formula,” he said. “I am an employee with a salary that barely covers our basic needs. My wife is weak and unable to breastfeed our baby due to constricted veins and is on regular medication. I don’t know what to do.”
According to the new ministerial decree, “I am forced to buy the formula at my own expense which I definitely cannot afford,” he added.
For those who are eligible for formula, the distribution process will be supervised by newly established committees in each medical area or health administration. The committees, created under the decision, are tasked with ensuring the proper distribution of formula and conducting regular evaluations of recipients. The system aims to make the process more transparent and efficient, ensuring that formula reaches those in need without misuse.
The ministry is also keen on addressing formula dependency. “We understand that some mothers may struggle with breastfeeding for various reasons, and we are here to support them,” the spokesman said. “However, the focus must remain on encouraging breastfeeding which provides essential nutrients and antibodies for a child’s development.” The government has set up training programmes for healthcare providers to improve their ability to counsel and support mothers.
At the same time, the ministry has automated the entire system in more than 1,200 healthcare units specialised in distributing baby formula to track and manage supplies easier. “The goal is to make the system more efficient and ensure that all formula dispensed is accounted for and reaches the families who need it,” the spokesman said. The ministry also aims to educate the public on the importance of breastfeeding and provide better support for mothers through clinics and consultations, he added.
* A version of this article appears in print in the 19 December, 2024 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
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